) results in a gelatinous, sky-blue suspension of copper hydroxide and calcium sulfate.
Pulverized copper sulfate and hydrated lime are added directly to a filling spray tank while the agitator is running to ensure even mixing.
Two primary methods are used for small-scale and commercial applications:
The final solution must be neutral or slightly alkaline (
The mixture is traditionally prepared by dissolving copper sulfate in water and adding a suspension of lime. Mixing copper sulfate ( ) and lime (
); acidic mixtures are phytotoxic and can burn plant foliage.
A common formulation is the 4-4-50 mixture, meaning 4 lbs of copper sulfate and 4 lbs of lime in 50 gallons of water.
Separate concentrated solutions of copper sulfate and lime are prepared in non-metallic containers. These are then diluted and combined in a spray tank.